Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

BMI is a useful screening tool but does not directly measure body fat. Athletes or very muscular individuals may have a high BMI despite low body fat.

How is BMI calculated?

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Imperial units use a slightly different formula.

What is a healthy BMI?

For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight range.

What BMI is considered overweight?

A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight, while 30 or higher is generally considered obese.

Can children use BMI?

Children use BMI-for-age percentiles instead of standard adult BMI categories because they are still growing.

Can athletes rely on BMI?

Not always. Athletes often have higher muscle mass, which can result in a higher BMI despite having low body fat.

The BMI formula stays the same for adults, but body composition naturally changes with age.

Can BMI measure body fat percentage?

No. BMI estimates weight relative to height and does not directly measure body fat percentage.

Should BMI be the only health indicator?

No. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall fitness provide a more complete picture of health.

How often should I check my BMI?

Checking every few months is usually sufficient unless you are actively trying to lose or gain weight.

Can BMI be inaccurate for older adults?

Yes. Older adults may lose muscle mass, making BMI less representative of overall health and body composition.

Health Tool

BMI Calculator

The BMI Calculator uses your height and weight to compute your Body Mass Index, a widely-used screening tool for weight categories. Supports both metric and imperial units.

Your details

Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

Your BMI

24.2

Normal weight

BMI categories

Underweight< 18.5
Normal18.5 – 24.9
Overweight25 – 29.9
Obese≥ 30

Healthy weight range for your height: 53.5 – 72.0 kg

How to use this calculator

1
Select your unit system
Choose metric (kg/cm) or imperial (lbs/ft+in).
2
Enter your weight
Input your current body weight.
3
Enter your height
Input your height in the chosen unit system.
4
Review your BMI
See your calculated BMI and what category it falls into.

The BMI formula

Body Mass Index is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.

BMI = weight(kg) / height(m)²

BMI: Body Mass Index value
kg: Weight in kilograms
m: Height in meters

Frequently asked questions about BMI Calculator

What is BMI?: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
Is BMI accurate?: BMI is a useful screening tool but does not directly measure body fat. Athletes or very muscular individuals may have a high BMI despite low body fat.
How is BMI calculated?: BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Imperial units use a slightly different formula.
What is a healthy BMI?: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight range.
What BMI is considered overweight?: A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight, while 30 or higher is generally considered obese.
Can children use BMI?: Children use BMI-for-age percentiles instead of standard adult BMI categories because they are still growing.
Can athletes rely on BMI?: Not always. Athletes often have higher muscle mass, which can result in a higher BMI despite having low body fat.
Does age affect BMI?: The BMI formula stays the same for adults, but body composition naturally changes with age.
Can BMI measure body fat percentage?: No. BMI estimates weight relative to height and does not directly measure body fat percentage.
Should BMI be the only health indicator?: No. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall fitness provide a more complete picture of health.
How often should I check my BMI?: Checking every few months is usually sufficient unless you are actively trying to lose or gain weight.
Can BMI be inaccurate for older adults?: Yes. Older adults may lose muscle mass, making BMI less representative of overall health and body composition.